i've got one of the steelheads and a chameleon. both have their good points. the steelhead can take a beating but it is heavier by a few pounds than the chameleon. if that matters to you. on the azonic you also have to take the rear disc off if you want to remove the wheel, unless you run v's. are you looking to get new or used? the azonic is definatley cheaper like around 200 while the chameleon is about 450 - 500 new. i have also heard from a few people that the chameleons crack near the headtube and to keep a check on it.
New frame
Looking for a tough new frame
I am looking to buy a hardtail for urban, dj, and some free riding. I have been looking at the azonic steelhead, azonic evolution 2, and the santa cruz chameleon. My budget is 500 max. Any idea what a good frame would be? Also what fork would go good with the frame.
I am looking to buy a hardtail for urban, dj, and some free riding. I have been looking at the azonic steelhead, azonic evolution 2, and the santa cruz chameleon. My budget is 500 max. Any idea what a good frame would be? Also what fork would go good with the frame.
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transition trail-or-park
Its made for the type of riding you want to do, $399, check it out at transitionbikes.com
Its made for the type of riding you want to do, $399, check it out at transitionbikes.com
I am looking to get a new frame. I heard the same about the Azonic witht he disc brake.
I've got a chameleon and I use it for pretty much everything. For me, with a five inch fork like a Z1 the geometry is just right for all purpose use. The cham is probably my favorite of my bikes since I can take it out and just ride...if I'm riding trail and find a huck I can do that, if I ride by the local dj spot, I can do those...its nice to have a do it all bike. One thing about the cham in comparison to a steel frame is that it is very stiff, which is cool in that it pedals and handles nicely, but if you land wrong, it can be punishing on the wrists and ankles, if no the rest of the body as well. (I think of it as forcing me to be smoother, and it definitely has.) I've never ridden a steel bike, but those that do say that it is more forgiving and stings a little less on the landings. Just something to consider.
I was considering running a z1 also or a rc psylo. I have heard its a good all around bike its just hard for me to make the switch back to hardtail. I currently ride a full suspension. So i was just going to switch as many parts over as possible. What about any other brands?
As far as other brands, you could always check out Banshee, who makes several hardtails that everyone likes. Evil is supposed to be putting out some new frames for 05 as well...but Evils are pricey. I'm sure other folks know more brands than I do...
Are you going to get ride of your FS to build the HT? I can understand the reservations about going back to ht, but at least in my opinion its not that bad...like I said you learn fast. I'm spoiled enough to have a FS and a HT and I definitely like getting a break from the HT sometimes...although I think that if I had only one bike for XC, FR, DJ, and street, it would be a no brainer to use the chameleon...just so versatile.
Are you going to get ride of your FS to build the HT? I can understand the reservations about going back to ht, but at least in my opinion its not that bad...like I said you learn fast. I'm spoiled enough to have a FS and a HT and I definitely like getting a break from the HT sometimes...although I think that if I had only one bike for XC, FR, DJ, and street, it would be a no brainer to use the chameleon...just so versatile.
I was probobly going to switch parts to the ht but keep the fs frame, for future riding. When i get the money i will build it back up to race with. But right now my heart is with urban, freeride, an dj. So every one likes the chameleon then?NCBigHit said:As far as other brands, you could always check out Banshee, who makes several hardtails that everyone likes. Evil is supposed to be putting out some new frames for 05 as well...but Evils are pricey. I'm sure other folks know more brands than I do...
Are you going to get ride of your FS to build the HT? I can understand the reservations about going back to ht, but at least in my opinion its not that bad...like I said you learn fast. I'm spoiled enough to have a FS and a HT and I definitely like getting a break from the HT sometimes...although I think that if I had only one bike for XC, FR, DJ, and street, it would be a no brainer to use the chameleon...just so versatile.
I was probobly going to switch parts to the ht but keep the fs frame, for future riding. When i get the money i will build it back up to race with. But right now my heart is with urban, freeride, an dj. So every one likes the chameleon then?
Yeah, cham is good exp since you will want to trail ride it...it is totally trail worthy despite its dj/fr capabilities.
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